Press Releases

PHILIP E. LAYTON MOURNS PASSING OF LYDIA MARLOWE

MONTREAL, FEBRURAY 24, 2015 – In a somber ceremony, the students and staff of Philip E. Layton School in N.D.G. for the visually impaired recently came together to mourn the loss of Lydia Marlowe, who passed away at the age of 14.

Lydia was a student at Philip E. Layton School for 10 years and her memory was honoured through stories and photos, highlighting her personality and the true essence of her life.

Students Julia and Mary Cruz addressed the crowd and spoke to life, death, experience and God. Additionally, Patrizia Ciccarelli, Principal of the Mackay Centre and Philip E. Layton, recited a poem entitled “Peace, My Heart.” Furthermore, seven staff members also shared their heartfelt stories during their care of Lydia as well as Mr. Charles read from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh to complement the family’s faith.

Julia Sowerby, Lydia’s homeroom teacher spoke with emotion about how Lydia had a positive affected on the life of others. Finally, Lydia’s mother played a beautiful piece on the French horn.

The multi-faith ceremony also included readings from the Christian, Sikh and Native Indigenous traditions. To conclude the ceremony, those in in attendance participated in a ritual of bringing light in several forms.

All assembled experienced the journey of grief together. There were many deeply touching moments. For some, this was a graced gesture of closure, and for others, it was a place where feelings could be illuminated.